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Euroleague.net interview: Sergey Monya
At just 23 years old, Sergey Monya has already lived through Euroleague experiences that other players dream about. |
Friday, October 20, 2006
0 Name:
Sergey
Monya
Euroleague.net
Dynamo Moscow Frontpage description:
At just 23 years old, Sergey Monya has already lived through Euroleague experiences that other players dream about.
Interview
 At just 23 years old, Sergey Monya has already lived through Euroleague experiences that other players dream about. He was still a teenager when he and CSKA qualified for the first of their three Final Four appearances together between 2003 and 2006. He played off the bench in two of those Final Fours and started in the middle one. Now, after a year playing in the NBA, Monya is back in Moscow - although now playing for Euroleague newcomer Dynamo. The emotions of coming home, changing teams and diving back into the Euroleague are anything but mixed for this talented forward. Monya is absolutely sure that he is where he wants to be. "It's not easy to explain the enormous joy that each player feels when he accomplishes a great goal like playing in the Final Four," Monya told Euroleague.net recently. "I'm sure it's even more beautiful when you win one, and that's what I keep dreaming about."
Sergey, you are home in Moscow and soon you'll be playing on court in the Euroleague again. How does it feel to be back?
"I played three years in the Euroleague and I hold onto some great memories. The competitive level has been really high. Here there are the best teams of Europe and for a young player there is nothing better than to play tough games. I have returned with lots of hope and the intention of showing my skills and helping my team to go as far as possible."
You were gone only one season, but what did you miss about playing in the Euroleague?
"I was only gone a year and my best memories are related to qualifying for the Final Four. It's not easy to explain the enormous joy that each player feels when he accomplishes a great goal like playing in the Final Four. I'm sure it's even more beautiful when you win one, and that's what I keep dreaming about."
Of course, you had some great experiences before you left, like playing solid minutes in three consecutive Final Fours for CSKA. Is that kind of opportunity part of what brought you back?
"For me, the most important thing is to play, and I believe that with Dynamo I'll have sufficient minutes to be able to show what I can do. Dynamo's offer seemed to me a good reason to return. The team is very competitive, there are players of great quality and plenty experience. Dynamo is a club on the rise and I'll be happy to help the team reach its objectives."
What will you bring from your one season of NBA experience in Portland to use on the court in the Euroleague?
"I have seen many interesting things, but most important has been the experience. It's a different type of basketball, more aggressive and with better defense, with many excellent players from whom you can learn. I hope to be able to apply something of what I learned there and with that help my new team."
What will it be like for you to be on a different team in Moscow this time, Dynamo?
"I feel very ambitious, just like my new club. Although it makes its debut in the Euroleague, I believe that Dynamo can have a strong role. We have a very good team, we have an excellent new arena and a whole season to show what we are capable of doing. I am optimistic and I expect a very good season." |
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